Peter’s Yard is a long term favourite of Edinburgers, situated both in Quartermile and Stockbridge this Scandinavian inspired bakery boasts some of the best freshly baked bread and buns in the city. The Quartermile store is frequented by students and university staff alike looking for great filter coffee and artisan lattes. The interior is open, bright and essentially Scandinavian and on Summer days you can sit outside on the patio.

2. Brew Lab

6-8 South College Street, Open Mon to Fri 8:00-18:00, Sat and Sun: 9:00-18:00

Brew Lab, situated next to Old College is a specialised coffee shop selling both single origin filter coffees and expresso coffees. Brew Lab serve some of the best coffee in Edinburgh and have just introduced a new cold brew coffee in the event of a hot day in Scotland. Brew Lab stock some great locally made food like Union of Genius Soup, artisan sandwiches and salads at lunchtime alongside Lovecrumbs cakes and Twelve Triangles donuts.

Love Crumbs is a front runner for the greatest cake shop of all time. The café, near the art school, is crammed with quirky furniture from the piano table being used as a desk to the wardrobe where the cakes are stored. They sell excellent cake, equally excellent coffee and not much more so it’s a great place to visit when you’re in need of an afternoon sugar rush. A selection of freshly baked cakes, tarts, brownies and scones are on offer every day served on beautiful vintage china. Get there early and try and grab the seat in the window for prime people watching position.

4. Black Medicine Coffee Co.

2 Nicolson Street, Open Mon to Sat 8:00-20:00 and Sun 9:00-20:00

Black Medicine Company sits on Nicholson Street across from Old College and is another favourite amongst locals and students. The totemic interior is the perfect atmosphere for some relaxed studying or coffee dates with friends. Alongside some excellent coffee they serve a large selection of paninis and cakes that are more reasonably priced than some of the higher end coffee shops in Edinburgh. They have a second store in Bruntsfield.

Situated behind St James Shopping centre, Artisan Roast is a bit further out than our other options but it is well worth the journey. Artisan Roast now have three cafes in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow. They are passionate about their craft and the shop is widely considered amongst the best in Edinburgh both for their coffee and their witty signboards standing outside the store.